The summer month brings warmer weather and our lawns, vegetable gardens, and flowers all need a little more water attention. With the rise of water use during these hot days, the Portland Water Bureau has made a simple list to help make every drop count.

Following these smart practices can make your outdoor space not only vibrant, but also efficient.

Water when the potential for evaporation is low – late in the evening or, preferably, early in the morning.

If you water your landscape with a hand-held hose, use a device with an automatic shutoff nozzle.

Use a drip irrigation system in planting beds that allows water to work its way slowly into the soil and keeps evaporation at a minimum.

Regularly inspect and repair broken heads and pipes if using an in-ground automatic irrigation system.